Ulster Unionist Leader Robin Swann MLA has welcomed the news that Barry McElduff has resigned as a Member of Parliament for West Tyrone.
Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Robin Swann MLA said:
“We welcome the fact that Barry McElduff has resigned although it should have happened last week. This is a day when a Sinn Fein Member of Parliament has done the right thing. His resignation was long overdue. His position was absolutely untenable given the hurt and pain inflicted on the Kingsmill victims` families and the sole survivor Alan Black. This has been a horrendous experience for them.
“It is right that the people of West Tyrone are now given the opportunity to elect a Member of Parliament who will take their seat in the House of Commons and be a voice for everyone.
“Given the hurt that has been caused to victims by Mr McElduff’s actions I think it is important that any by-election provides them with a voice. I am therefore calling for a non-partisan candidate who will be a voice for victims to contest this seat against Sinn Fein.
“The condemnation of Barry McElduff`s deeply offensive actions has come from across the community. If a candidate emerges that allows cross-community support to coalesce around, it would send a strong message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.”